Comments on: THE ROLLING STONES - “Honky Tonk Women” http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/ Lollards in the high church of low culture Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:27:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: wichita lineman http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-422561 wichita lineman Sat, 17 May 2008 11:42:32 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-422561 Got a similar thing to Dr Mod here - I put it down to Andrew Oldham's departure. They were a blues-rock band before he managed them and they reverted to type when he left. Which isn't meant to mean they got better or worse... but I'll take Get Off Of My Cloud over their louche period any day. So louche is it - or loose, rather - that in spite of the hip-hop beat, it's impossible to sample unless you want to spend hours screwing about to make Charlie's drums 'n' cowbell hit the beat! Another record it kept at number 2 which pointed to future rhythms (though it was yet another with a dark and deathly aura) was Robin Gibb's Saved By The Bell, the first hit record to use a drum machine. Got a similar thing to Dr Mod here - I put it down to Andrew Oldham’s departure. They were a blues-rock band before he managed them and they reverted to type when he left. Which isn’t meant to mean they got better or worse… but I’ll take Get Off Of My Cloud over their louche period any day.

So louche is it - or loose, rather - that in spite of the hip-hop beat, it’s impossible to sample unless you want to spend hours screwing about to make Charlie’s drums ‘n’ cowbell hit the beat!

Another record it kept at number 2 which pointed to future rhythms (though it was yet another with a dark and deathly aura) was Robin Gibb’s Saved By The Bell, the first hit record to use a drum machine.

]]> By: Doctor Mod http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38235 Doctor Mod Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:15:32 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38235 It all boils down to a matter of taste, no? But no, I wouldn't say that the albums you mention were a <i>complete</i> waste of time. It all boils down to a matter of taste, no?

But no, I wouldn’t say that the albums you mention were a complete waste of time.

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38164 Marcello Carlin Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:49:45 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38164 I'm not really convinced that the Stones ever needed Jones in the first place. I’m not really convinced that the Stones ever needed Jones in the first place.

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38161 Marcello Carlin Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:47:55 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38161 Yes because Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main Street were just a complete waste of time weren't they? Yes because Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main Street were just a complete waste of time weren’t they?

]]> By: Doctor Mod http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38159 Doctor Mod Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:25:19 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-38159 In response to Chris Brown and wwolfe: I'd been hesitant to comment on this record because I couldn't put my finger on just why I didn't really like it. It now occurs to me that I stopped buying the Stones' records around that time for some of the reasons you've mentioned, and I imagine that the absence of Brian Jones is a key factor. In retrospect, I think he deserves as much credit as Mick and Keith for making the Stones the band as good as they were in the beginning. Indeed, he was probably the most versatile (certainly the most ecclectic) musician in the lot, and after they dumped him (followed shortly by his death), the Stones would never quite so interesting again. In response to Chris Brown and wwolfe:

I’d been hesitant to comment on this record because I couldn’t put my finger on just why I didn’t really like it. It now occurs to me that I stopped buying the Stones’ records around that time for some of the reasons you’ve mentioned, and I imagine that the absence of Brian Jones is a key factor. In retrospect, I think he deserves as much credit as Mick and Keith for making the Stones the band as good as they were in the beginning. Indeed, he was probably the most versatile (certainly the most ecclectic) musician in the lot, and after they dumped him (followed shortly by his death), the Stones would never quite so interesting again.

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-37799 Marcello Carlin Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:15:21 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-37799 "Brown Sugar" would have been a number one but was criminally kept off the top in an even-worse-than-Engelbert scenario, but that's all yet to come. “Brown Sugar” would have been a number one but was criminally kept off the top in an even-worse-than-Engelbert scenario, but that’s all yet to come.

]]> By: wwolfe http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-37602 wwolfe Mon, 25 Sep 2006 21:44:18 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-37602 This is the first Stones hit where it sounds to me like they're having to make a real effort to summon the energy needed to focus their creative energy and imagination into the form of a hot three-minute single. "Jack Flash" felt like a release and relief: Loog Oldham was gone, the drug busts were done, psychedelia was over (for them, at least), and they sounded like they were having a blast playing tough rock and roll again. This one sounds like making music had suddenly took on aspects of heavy lifting. It's a good record, but the youthful enthusiasm is gone. This is the first Stones hit where it sounds to me like they’re having to make a real effort to summon the energy needed to focus their creative energy and imagination into the form of a hot three-minute single. “Jack Flash” felt like a release and relief: Loog Oldham was gone, the drug busts were done, psychedelia was over (for them, at least), and they sounded like they were having a blast playing tough rock and roll again. This one sounds like making music had suddenly took on aspects of heavy lifting. It’s a good record, but the youthful enthusiasm is gone.

]]> By: Chris Brown http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-37002 Chris Brown Sat, 23 Sep 2006 15:02:58 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-37002 According to Glyn Johns, Mick told him that he liked to make his vocals inaudible so that people would have to buy the records to find out what the words were. When you actually listen back to the song, they really aren't as dirty as you sort of imagine - that "blew my nose/blew my mind" bit (however it's pronounced) is either a vague-enough-to-get-away-with drug reference or a brilliant example of a lyric that makes sense because you want it to, and I prefer it as the latter. I always used to get this mixed up with 'Brown Sugar' but this is the one I prefer. Even so though, this is another one that's not quite as good as I think it is - all the action (cowbell, louchness, lyrics, etc) is in the first half of the song and then it just keeps going on. Which I suppose some might call a fair summary of their career. I might be generous enough to give it a 7, depending on mood. As noted, this is the first Stones single with Mick Taylor. It was also their last non-album 45, which might in part account for it being their final chart-topper, but clearly isn't the only reason. According to Glyn Johns, Mick told him that he liked to make his vocals inaudible so that people would have to buy the records to find out what the words were. When you actually listen back to the song, they really aren’t as dirty as you sort of imagine - that “blew my nose/blew my mind” bit (however it’s pronounced) is either a vague-enough-to-get-away-with drug reference or a brilliant example of a lyric that makes sense because you want it to, and I prefer it as the latter.

I always used to get this mixed up with ‘Brown Sugar’ but this is the one I prefer. Even so though, this is another one that’s not quite as good as I think it is - all the action (cowbell, louchness, lyrics, etc) is in the first half of the song and then it just keeps going on. Which I suppose some might call a fair summary of their career. I might be generous enough to give it a 7, depending on mood.

As noted, this is the first Stones single with Mick Taylor. It was also their last non-album 45, which might in part account for it being their final chart-topper, but clearly isn’t the only reason.

]]> By: Andrew Hickey http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36816 Andrew Hickey Fri, 22 Sep 2006 18:46:58 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36816 Prince Mick! Prince Mick!

]]> By: Alan http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36795 Alan Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:04:34 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36795 (and hurrah i am born, and ppl immediately start buying Z&E...) <img src="/pictures/stork-boy.gif"> (and hurrah i am born, and ppl immediately start buying Z&E…)

]]> By: intothefireuk http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36722 intothefireuk Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:31:13 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36722 Tom yes you are factually correct the Moon landing happened on Sunday 20th with TN at no.1 and the new chart was announced on the Tuesday, therefore HTW became no.1 whilst the moon mission was proceeding. So I was kind of right (almost). Tom yes you are factually correct the Moon landing happened on Sunday 20th with TN at no.1 and the new chart was announced on the Tuesday, therefore HTW became no.1 whilst the moon mission was proceeding. So I was kind of right (almost).

]]> By: Aardvark http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36703 Aardvark Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:49:09 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36703 Nothing to say about the song but Dave Sim' Mick and Keef has to be my favourite insertion of broadly caricatured rock-stars into on-going visual sword and sorcery narrative of all time. "Keef! You ain't been straight since 1879!" Nothing to say about the song but Dave Sim’ Mick and Keef has to be my favourite insertion of broadly caricatured rock-stars into on-going visual sword and sorcery narrative of all time.

“Keef! You ain’t been straight since 1879!”

]]> By: Tom http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36693 Tom Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:27:58 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36693 Ahh OK - I hoped it was that rather than Woodstock! (I think the moon landings happened while T Newman was at #1 tho) Ahh OK - I hoped it was that rather than Woodstock! (I think the moon landings happened while T Newman was at #1 tho)

]]> By: intothefireuk http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36691 intothefireuk Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:26:15 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36691 er.....'One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind' (or so we thought anyway). er…..’One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind’ (or so we thought anyway).

]]> By: Marcello Carlin http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36690 Marcello Carlin Fri, 22 Sep 2006 09:23:14 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36690 I note that "Honky Tonk Women" kept "Give Peace A Chance" at number two, which if I'm not mistaken is the only incidence in UK singles chart history where the Stones stopped any Beatle from having a number one. I note that “Honky Tonk Women” kept “Give Peace A Chance” at number two, which if I’m not mistaken is the only incidence in UK singles chart history where the Stones stopped any Beatle from having a number one.

]]> By: Tom http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36680 Tom Fri, 22 Sep 2006 08:54:35 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36680 What was this positive thing intothefire? I'm excited now! What was this positive thing intothefire? I’m excited now!

]]> By: intothefireuk http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36678 intothefireuk Fri, 22 Sep 2006 08:06:18 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36678 Like the Beatles still riding high on the coat-tails of their previous success this is a perfunctory tune although I've always enjoyed the line 'she blew my nose then she blew my mind' for some reason. Jaggers blurred words disguise the lyrics just enough to allow Radio Wunnnerful not to realise how risque (for them) they are. Whilst this sat at number one something a little more positive was happening (which should have punctured the bubble of doom and gloom prevalant throughout most of this year and heralded a brighter future). However pop was having none of it (see the next entry & Space Oddity) for further evidence. Like the Beatles still riding high on the coat-tails of their previous success this is a perfunctory tune although I’ve always enjoyed the line ’she blew my nose then she blew my mind’ for some reason. Jaggers blurred words disguise the lyrics just enough to allow Radio Wunnnerful not to realise how risque (for them) they are.

Whilst this sat at number one something a little more positive was happening (which should have punctured the bubble of doom and gloom prevalant throughout most of this year and heralded a brighter future). However pop was having none of it (see the next entry & Space Oddity) for further evidence.

]]> By: Andrew Farrell http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36599 Andrew Farrell Thu, 21 Sep 2006 23:25:51 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36599 I've been hearing "different scene" as "divorcee" for some time now, then. I’ve been hearing “different scene” as “divorcee” for some time now, then.

]]> By: Chris Brown http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36595 Chris Brown Thu, 21 Sep 2006 22:42:06 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36595 I thought he was singing "Honky tonk woman", despite the title, because each verse is about a different woman. I thought he was singing “Honky tonk woman”, despite the title, because each verse is about a different woman.

]]> By: Tom http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36578 Tom Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:09:50 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36578 Pronunciation quibbles can now be cleared up as I've linked the subtitled YouTube vid. Pronunciation quibbles can now be cleared up as I’ve linked the subtitled YouTube vid.

]]> By: Jack Fear http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36574 Jack Fear Thu, 21 Sep 2006 20:07:59 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36574 Jagger's mushy pronunciation improves the song immeasurably by making it possible to mishear many lines as something <i>really dirty.</i> A question for the peanut gallery: What's <i>your</i> favorite misinterpreted lyric from "Honky Tonk Women"? Jagger’s mushy pronunciation improves the song immeasurably by making it possible to mishear many lines as something really dirty.

A question for the peanut gallery: What’s your favorite misinterpreted lyric from “Honky Tonk Women”?

]]> By: pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36563 pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:03:07 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36563 hurrah for more loucheness in the world than i thought there was! hurrah for more loucheness in the world than i thought there was!

]]> By: pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36557 pˆnk s lord sükråt cunctør Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:50:08 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36557 blimey so it is!! except on the first ever stones comp i owned which got it wrong -- i have just checked -- so i always have also!! blimey so it is!! except on the first ever stones comp i owned which got it wrong — i have just checked — so i always have also!!

]]> By: jeff w http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36551 jeff w Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:26:57 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36551 mark: no, Tom has it right. Amazing how many online lyric sites have it as "Woman" though. Elton John did a fantastic (fun) cover of this on <i>17/11/70</i>. mark: no, Tom has it right. Amazing how many online lyric sites have it as “Woman” though.

Elton John did a fantastic (fun) cover of this on 17/11/70.

]]> By: blount http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36547 blount Thu, 21 Sep 2006 17:56:00 +0000 http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2006/09/the-rolling-stones-honky-tonk-women/#comment-36547 is this the first hip-hop beat appearance on popular? (is this the last hip-hop beat appearance on popular?) beat and backing keef vocals it's definite strengths (that cowbell perhaps birthing the early 70s or a significant strand of it at least), of the big huge stones monoliths ('stsfctn', 'jjf', this, 'brown sugar', 'miss you', 'start me up') this is maybe my least fave (definitely between this and 'start me up') but i still love it. better than 'lady madonna'! is this the first hip-hop beat appearance on popular? (is this the last hip-hop beat appearance on popular?)

beat and backing keef vocals it’s definite strengths (that cowbell perhaps birthing the early 70s or a significant strand of it at least), of the big huge stones monoliths (’stsfctn’, ‘jjf’, this, ‘brown sugar’, ‘miss you’, ’start me up’) this is maybe my least fave (definitely between this and ’start me up’) but i still love it. better than ‘lady madonna’!

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